When you think of Cape Cod attractions, perhaps you’re considering a vacation, what are some of the things important in your thought process?  Perhaps it’s the National Seashore and its 35 miles of unspoilt natural beauty, or the breathtaking experience of  whale watching and seeing these elegant mammals feeding, or take in the amazing sunsets (and sunrises) over the ocean each day.   Whatever your interests are, here’s our, and our guests, “six Cape Cod must do’s”, the finest in Cape Cod attractions.

Cape Cod National Seashore

Six Cape Cod Must Do’s:

Six Cape Cod must do's , Nauset beach

1. Beaches

Number one of on Cape Cod attractions must do’s has to be our beaches. Just minutes from the Inn, you can experience some of the most beautiful and varied beaches on the Cape, both in terms of the Atlantic and Bayside beaches.  With almost forty miles of totally unspoilt beaches, the National Seashore regularly ranks in the top 10 of US beaches.  Grab your towel, umbrella, chairs and refillable water bottle from the Inn and enjoy the day.

2. Lighthouses

The Cape’s history is full of sailors stories, numerous shipwrecks and heroic rescues, so for many there is a romantic image of our lighthouses, another favorite Cape Cod attraction. With 14 lighthouses on the Cape, spend a day touring some and perhaps imagine if the lighthouses could talk, the stories they could tell.

The recent Disney movie, ” The Finest Hour“, tells the story of a herioc rescue from the Coast Guard Station in the fifties, after a tanker had run aground during a ferocious storm off the Cape.

3. Whale Watching

It really is all it’s cracked up to be, and a magical moment when on your whale watching trip you see your first whale.  Their elegance and size are a sight to behold and an unforgettable experience. Make sure you have your camera ready, you will not be disappointed.

Guided tours leave from both Barnstable and Provincetown.  Take a late afternoon tour from Provincetown and experience a glorious sunset followed by dinner in one of Provincetown’s many gourmet restaurants.

4. Theatres

Today the Cape is home to a rich base of musicians, actors, artists and writers. With twenty one venues to choose from, there really is something for everyone, from purely amatuer dramatics to fully professional productions.

At the Inn we are fortunate to have several theatres within 15 minutes including our local theatre just a 10 minute walk away.

5. Restaurants

For many, one of the most important aspects visitors look for is dining, but the challenge here is where to begin. Whether it’s lunch on the water, a Cape lobster roll, beach food trucks, comfort dishes or gourmet dinners, the choices are wonderful. In Orleans here is short list of some of our favorites.

  • Abroad, 774 207 0906. Global style tapas!, chic
  • The Beacon Room 774 684 2081. Classic favorites with a twist
  • Navillus 508 255 3338. Classic mexican, great cocktails
  • Land-Ho 508 255 5165. Casual pub grub
  • Mahoney’s 508 255 5505. Casual dining, good menu
  • Jailhouse 508 255 5245. Fun beer garden and micro brewery
  • Rock Harbor 508 255 3350. Casual dining, great atmosphere and food
  • La Bella Vita 774-316 4454 Italian inspired cuisine
  • The Knack, gourmet burgers and more, 774 316 4595
  • TEN YEN – 774 209 3160, elegant and intimate, serving sushi
  • Barley Neck Inn, casual pub dining  –   508 255 0212
Six Cape Cod must do's , sunset at Rock Harbor

6. Sunsets (and sunrises)

For the last of our six Cape Cod must do’s, it would be difficult to vacation on the Cape and not to experience one of our wonderful sunsets, or for early risers, a sunrise.

A five minute drive from the Inn will find you at Rock Harbor, where many say is the best sunset on the Cape. Go midweek and perhaps catch a steel band playing as the sun sets.

The Parsonage

Join us at the Parsonage, where you can enjoy one of the three options available to guests in East Orleans.

The Parson’s House is a historic and stunning seven-bedroom home all with full ensuite bathrooms, a designer fitted kitchen, two large lounges, landscaped patio and garden with jacuzzi. Available from June 19 – September 5 only

Accommodating six guests, the Parson’s Cottage is a fully equipped cozy three bedroomed home, attached to the main 250-year-old Inn. Available year round.

During the shoulder seasons, March – June, and September – November, book one of our four guest bedrooms, and enjoy the Cape’s off-season delights and of course our freshly prepared breakfast baskets delivered directly to your room. 

Reserve your room today, we look forward to welcoming you to Orleans Cape Cod soon and helping you find the best Cape Cod attractions to explore.